Ideally, when you start to wean your baby you will also gradually reduce breastfeeding. This process usually begins at around six months of age. Since every child is, however, an individual there is no “perfect time” to begin weaning. Some babies are keen to start eating at five months; others don’t begin until they are seven or eight months old. It is, however, important that mothers remember to meet their own needs as well as those of the child.

Weaning step by step

Starting solid foods is a big step for your baby. Eating is a whole new experience - there are new tastes and flavours to explore, different sensations in the mouth and the rest of your baby's body. It's a lot for a little baby to cope with. Start slowly, give your baby and yourself enough time and introduce new meals step by step. A few teaspoons are enough to begin with.

Usually a baby needs around a week to get used to a new food. If you follow this suggestion it will be easier to spot any problems such as intolerances or allergies as early as possible. You may also note changes in your baby's digestion or stools after introducing a new food. This way you can act quickly and substitute ingredients if necessary.

Purée and porridge meals are gradually substituted for breast milk or bottle feeds. Ideally, you will start at lunchtime, just before the milk feed, to introduce a few teaspoons of vegetable purée. Slowly increase the amount until the whole lunchtime breast or bottle feed is replaced. Over the months you will go on to replace the afternoon and evening milk feeds with either milk cereal or fruit cereal meals.

Tip 1

The Holle meat jars (125 g) are ideal for preparing small baby meals with home-made puréed vegetables - based on what your baby likes.